[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician. 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They said, “Stop him and his brother, and send gatherers to the cities.” 36 and summon every skillful magician from all the cities." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 (They said): Aye, so that we may follow the wizards if they are the winners. 40 And when the magicians came, they said to Firon: Shall we get a reward if we are the vanquishers? 41 He replied, "Certainly, in that case you will join my inner circle." 42 Moses said to them: 'Cast down what you cast' 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh we shall be the victors.' 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, 47 The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 We certainly hope our Lord will forgive our sins as we are the first to believe." 51